SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) - A contingency plan from the National Park Service has outlined some of the steps parks like the Great Smoky Mountains are taking as the federal government sees its first shutdown since 2018.

According to the Sept. 2025 version of the Department of the Interior National Park Service Contingency Plan for a Potential Lapse in Appropriations, like a government shutdown, accessible areas will generally remain open to visitors.

Previous Coverage: ‘It’s detrimental’ | Organizations that rely on Great Smoky Mountains National Park prepare for government shutdown

Accessible areas are defined as park roads, lookouts, trails and open-air memorials. NPS will not operate parks without accessible areas.

The Smokies’ website lists Cades Cove Loop Road, picnic area, vi

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